With increased demand and fewer donations coming in, the Zion Community Food Pantry is in need of community support to continue meeting the needs of Ionia County residents this summer.

“The summer is the lowest time for donations. It’s important for us to be supported all year,” said Zion Community Food Pantry Director Barb Hollon.

The food pantry often receives monetary and item donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, which are quickly used, donated and sold. Throughout the year, various community groups, businesses and individuals will donate to the food pantry, according to Zion United Methodist Church Pastor Cliff Allen, but with other food pantries in the area closing, the amount of need in Ionia has increased.

“We average 80 families when we are open. In a whole month, we may see 1,400 people,” Hollon said.

The Zion Food Pantry is open from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Zion United Methodist Church, located at 423 W. Washington St. in Ionia. The food pantry is available to any Ionia County resident, and those visiting the pantry should bring identification or proof of residency.

In addition, the Zion Community Good Pantry hosts a Feed America of West Michigan mobile food bank at 4 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. The truck is located at a Ionia Free Fair grounds. This includes all months except July, when the food truck will be at the Zion United Methodist Church parking lot.

Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays at the church.

“The community has been so supportive of the pantry,” said Zion United Methodist Church secretary Deb Hall.

With students out of school for the summer, the food pantry is need of additional items to support children. The Kid’s Closet, run by Bonnie Theodore, features free clothing, books, toys and more for youth.

“Food drives make a difference; all donations come in handy. We have found that other pantries have closed up, and we’re getting the brunt of that,” said Allen.

Monetary donations help the food pantry staff purchase items at a reduced rate through Feeding America, according to Allen. Once a month, the staff will order food based on the needs of Ionia County residents.

“The need has grown to alarming proportions. We post an income limit so people know if they don’t qualify if they have a certain income. We have a lot of working poor, senior citizens, mentally and physically handicapped individuals who come. The need has escalated at an astounding rate,” Hollon said.

The Kid’s Closet is open from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays, and has items for babies and young children at no cost. The pantry accepts donations of clothing, toys, formula, diapers and more for the Kid’s Closet.

Page 2 of 2 - For more information, contact the church at 616-527-1910.